Hi, I read from some church book (I think it’s The Miracle of Forgiveness) that in order to fully repent of our sins, in this case, shoplifting, we have to restore what we took. I already talked to my bishop and I plan to pay money in replace of what I took. I just want to ask for ideas on how can I possibly do that, without declaring to the staff that I used to shoplift at their store/s so I’m paying them back now. THANKS!
One Response to “Hi, I read from some church book (I think it’s The Miracle o…”
Jeff
2011-11-08 15:39:37
That's a great question, but I'm not sure there's a good answer to it. I've actually had the exact same problem: before my baptism, I regularly shoplifted from a particular restaurant near where I worked. Several years later, it occurred to me that I really needed to pay them back for that, so I went in, asked for the owner, and told him exactly why I was giving him the money in my hand. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but the weight that lifted from my shoulders was greater than I could have imagined.
It's always hard to confess to someone you've sinned against, and even more so when the person doesn't know that you've done so. But I can testify from personal experience that it will both clear your conscience and strengthen your resolve to keep that sin in your past. Pray for strength, ask for the owner (or manager, depending on the size of the store), and repent of your sin. I promise you that your anguish will be replaced with at least as much joy (see Alma 36:19-21).
It's always hard to confess to someone you've sinned against, and even more so when the person doesn't know that you've done so. But I can testify from personal experience that it will both clear your conscience and strengthen your resolve to keep that sin in your past. Pray for strength, ask for the owner (or manager, depending on the size of the store), and repent of your sin. I promise you that your anguish will be replaced with at least as much joy (see Alma 36:19-21).